Overview

• The Global Burden of Disease analysis in The Lancet estimates about 30.5 million cancer diagnoses in 2050, a roughly 61–65% increase from 2023.
• More than half of new cases and about two-thirds of deaths are projected to occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• In 2023 an estimated 4.3 million of 10.4 million cancer deaths were linked to 44 modifiable risks, with tobacco the leading contributor at roughly 21%.
• Age-standardized cancer mortality fell around 24% globally from 1990 to 2023, while rising 24% in low-income countries and 29% in middle-income countries.
• Study authors and public-health experts call for stronger prevention, earlier diagnosis and broader access to effective treatment to counter the projected surge.